Bhubaneswar: A day after this newspaper published a report that the Keonjhar district administration renewed the lease of Serajuddin Mines despite strong resistance from various quarters, Opposition Congress Monday raised the issue in the State Assembly demanding an immediate explanation from the state government as to how the lease was granted to a scam-tainted firm against whom several allegations have been found true.
Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Leader of Opposition (LoP) referred to the OP copy dated December 3, 2017, saying, “How could the state government renew the lease of the mining firm against whom the Shah Commission – which probed the mining scam in the state – had recommended initiation of criminal offence, criminal action and penalty as well as a CBI investigation.”
“There are a host of allegations against the mining firm and it was a subject of commission which has found all the allegations true,” he said, adding, “Besides imposing `750crore penalty on the firm, the state government has also admitted illegal acts by the firm”
Mishra said, the lease of the firm was not renewed till December 1 and it was supposed to be closed. But it has been renewed at the last moment.
Stating that the Keonjhar collector was not in the district till 4 pm on the day of renewal, Mishra said, “I wonder when he returned and renewed the license. There must have been some pressure from outside that would have played a role in renewal of the lease license.” This smells about another scam, the LoP said.
Though BJD chief whip Amar Satpathy said that it wouldn’t be appropriate on part of the government to place a statement on this issue as the mining penalty case is subjudice, Mishra said Satpathy’s argument is unfounded as no one has challenged, in any court, the penalty state government has imposed on the firm and for this the state government must give an explanation to the house about its lease renewal.
With the LoP demanding a ruling from the chair, Speaker Pradip Amat said he will give a ruling after examining it.
This paper had said despite opposition from various quarters, the district administration gave permission to extend the lease of scam-tainted Serajuddin Mine. The lease of Serajuddin Mine expired December 2, but the collector issued a letter renewing the lease.
Serajuddin has its iron ore mines at Balda in Joda mining circle.
Some outfits and locals had sought to know how the scam-tainted firm could be given permission to extend the lease.
They said they will challenge the administration’s nod to the company.
Joda mining circle deputy director Sushant Kumar Nayak said the lease was extended after the recommendation of the state government.
PNN
